best_metal_albums_2017

The best metal albums of 2017

Maybe it’s too early to say, but 2017 could very well be looked back on as a landmark year for metal. It feels as though metal is slowly regaining traction in the mainstream, similar to the status it held in the ’70s and ’80s. Some may decry this, saying that metal has no place in the mainstream culture and should be reserved solely for the underground, but just like then, metal has always had something to say about the state of the world we find ourselves in. Perhaps the aggression and raw energy of metal is beginning to resonate with the culture at large once more, or people just couldn’t resist all of the kick-ass metal records that came out this year. Let’s go with the latter. Here are some of our favorite metal records of 2017.

Read more: The 40 best albums of 2017

Spirit Adrift — Curse Of Conception

The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist (and musical genius, we might add) Nate Garrett, who also lends his axe skills to death metal neanderthals Gatecreeper, Spirit Adrift have been generating quite the buzz with their masterful sophomore album, Curse Of Conception, and it’s much deserved. After all, few bands in recent memory have displayed this adept at understanding what metal is really about, not to mention the progression in songwriting between Curse Of Conception and Spirit Adrift’s first record, Chained To Oblivion, is like night and day. The compositions are tighter, the riffs are meaner, and the album as a whole plays like a classic. Garrett said in an interview earlier this year that his goal is to have Spirit Adrift go down as one of the best bands in the history of metal; with Curse Of Conception, we’d say he’s well on his way.

The Contortionist — Clairvoyant

With their fourth full-length LP, the Contortionist finally became the band they were always meant to be. Hints of their heavy past popped up throughout Clairvoyant, but the Contortionist have evolved into something much more than just another metal band. With songs like “Reimagined,” “Absolve” and the title track, the Contortionist have created something emotionally potent and completely transcendental. The rich melodies and layered compositions made Clairvoyant one of 2017’s most unforgettable albums.

Elder — Reflections Of A Floating World

Sometimes you hear a record that takes you on a journey far, far outside of yourself. New England-based Elder did just that with their fourth full-length record, Reflections Of A Floating World. A prog band first and doom band second, Elder manage to write songs upward of 10 minutes in length that pass by as quickly and comfortably as a warm summer’s breeze. Throw on a good pair of headphones and let Elder take you away.

Quicksand — Interiors

While not technically metal in the traditional sense, the legendary Quicksand have had an impact on the genre that cannot be overstated. After 22 long years, Quicksand dropped a third LP this year in the form of Interiors, a record that picks up right where 1995’s Manic Compression left off. From the opening notes of “Illuminant,” Quicksand spark a certain nostalgic feeling few bands can muster while still sounding just as relevant as they always have. Their emotive riffs and melodies and intelligent songwriting made Interiors one of 2017’s most special—and genuine—records.

Pallbearer — Heartless

Pallbearer have been on a steady upward trajectory as metal’s next big breakout act since their 2012 debut Sorrow And Extinction; and with this year’s Heartless, it seems as though they’ve at last reached that status. A doom band at heart, Pallbearer strike a magical balance between sincerity and accessibility that makes Heartless downright irresistible. Incredible melodic sensibilities and timeless songwriting methods make up yet another record that plays like an instant classic.

He Is Legend — few

He Is Legend continue to be one of rock’s quirkiest and most supremely talented bands. Few takes everything He Is Legend are loved for, puts it in a blender and spits out their heaviest, most-focused effort yet. Few bands (pun intended) strike such a perfect balance between crushing metal and catchy pop, with a healthy dash of rock ‘n’ roll boogie mixed in for good measure. With cuts such as “Air Raid,” “Sand” and “Jordan,” few is packed full of quick, easily digestible songs that are fun as hell to jam and even more fun to revisit. He Is Legend are indeed part of the proud few in this ilk of metal.

Havok — Conformicide

Havok continue to stand far ahead of the pack when it comes to modern thrash. Conformicide is proof of this, as they’ve crafted what is arguably the most perfect thrash record in recent memory. Raw energy, fierce aggression, a giant middle finger to the state of society and of course, buckets of riffs make Conformicide a can’t-miss metal record. Caution: May induce severe whiplash.

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Dyscarnate — With All Their Might

This list could have very well been packed with nothing but death metal records because 2017 was a hell of a year for the genre, but in the interest of diversity and representing all spectrums of the metal sphere, we didn’t. That said, Dyscarnate’s latest banger, With All Their Might, is most definitely deserving of a spot on this list. The sheer brute force carried behind the riffs on this album could smash through a steel-reinforced concrete wall, and the fact that metal this loud, pissed and heavy was made by only three guys is a testament to the talent and conviction behind Dyscarnate. All hail the new kings of death metal.

Converge — The Dusk In Us

In the five years between All We Love We Leave Behind and this year’s fantastic The Dusk In Us, a lot has happened in the Converge camp. Not only have they been touring like a bunch of mad men and growing into mutant-freaks as musicians (Seriously, how does Ben Koller even do some of that stuff behind the kit?), frontman Jacob Bannon became a father, a new characteristic of him that shines through in his brilliant lyrics on The Dusk In Us. This is Converge reinvented; they still retain the same angst, fury and passion they’ve always had, but The Dusk In Us still seems different, in the best way possible.  

Royal Thunder — Wick

The vocal performance of the year has to go to Royal Thunder’s Mlny Parsons (Mel for short), whose powerful, bluesy croon will make anybody with a soul still standing and heart still beating quiver with disbelief. Royal Thunder have been making waves for the past several years as one of rock’s best kept secrets, but with this year’s Wick, they’re finally getting the long-overdue recognition they deserve. The band’s uncanny ability to mix blues, grunge and classic rock is only strengthened by the sweet, sweet sounds of their immensely talented frontwoman.

Cannibal Corpse — Red Before Black

Florida death metal legends Cannibal Corpse returned this year with their 14th studio album, Red Before Black, a record that drips with the brutality of CC’s early records while adding a nice layer of the flesh-ripping musical insanity that has characterized their last few records. The result is an album by an ever-relevant band who continues to define metal. Anybody who says that death metal is “just noise” needs to listen to Cannibal Corpse; there is an exacting method to their murderous madness, and it shows more than ever on Red Before Black.

Full Of Hell — Trumpeting Ecstasy

Make no mistake: With Full Of Hell’s third full-length record, they’ve cemented themselves as perhaps the most pissed-off band in metal. One listen to the completely chaotic sonic cacophony that is Trumpeting Ecstasy and your face will begin to resemble something a lot like the burning nun that adorns the album’s cover. At just under 24 minutes, Trumpeting Ecstasy will batter you, pummel you and beat you into submission. It’s an extremely unsettling listen, but it made for one of the year’s most compelling metal records. Also, don’t miss the chance to see this band live.

Enslaved — E

One of Norway’s most beloved metal exports, the viking metal aldermen in Enslaved continued to stray further and further away from their black metal roots with this year’s masterful E. Enslaved have been gradually shifting to a more musically progressive style over the past decade, and this shift arguably came to head in E. A beautiful sense of melody clashes with Enslaved’s trademark brand of riffing and musical intensity to create an experience that is truly epic.

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